Thursday night's main event promises to be a war at Newark's Robert Treat Hotel.
by Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
(New Jersey State representative)
Knockout Promotions co-owners (and brothers) Walid and Hani Darwish's intentions were made clear before their first promoted boxing event in August of 2003. "We want to bring big-time boxing back to New Jersey," echoed the Darwish's during Tuesday's press conference at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, the venue for this Thursday's fightcard and the contracted site for 10 of the Knockout Promotions 17 scheduled shows in 2005.
"Our goal is to bring boxing back like the Duva's did back in the 80's - big shows," stated older brother Walid. "We have a commitment and we want to bring quality events to New Jersey," added Hani Darwish.
With the legendary Lou Duva on hand giving his sign of approval, Knockout Promotions appears to be headed in the right direction with their second installment of "The North Jersey Boxing Series".
Paterson's own Kendall Holt, one of boxing's brightest and most talented young stars, will be highlighted in the co-feature. With a promised nationally televised ShowBox fight against undefeated former olympian David Diaz (25-0) on the horizon (pending Holt is victorious, and in dramatic fashion), Kendall has no plans of letting down. "After I whip Escobar - I'll kick Diaz's a@#!" exclaimed the ever confident Holt.
Also slated to see action Thursday are Eric Graham, Alex Perez (making his pre debut), Devon Holder, George Perez and Mike Torres, all local New Jersey fighters.
The night's main event alone should be worth the price of admission. With the vacant World Boxing Council Continental Americas Light Heavyweight Championship for the taking Camden's Prince Badi Ajamu (22-2-1, 12 KO's) will battle Greg Wright, a former NABF Champion (21-11-1, 8 KO's) from Detroit. Fighting out of the Kronk gym will attest to the fortitude and toughness of Wright - who has never been stopped in his career, while Ajamu - ranked 22nd in the world as a light heavyweight, appears on the brink of stardom. Proud to call himself a "Philly fighter", Ajamu is a relentless, hungry, never take a step back-type of fighter.
"We both are hungry," said Ajamu who added "I gotta have that belt-no two ways about it. I'm going to be the Champion!"
An action-packed seven bout fightcard, including a couple of rising stars and a twelve round main event which should be a battle from beginning to end, this Thursday December 9th at the Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark.
Tickets priced at $100.00 VIP ringside, $50.00 reserved and $35.00 general admission are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (201) 507-8900. For more information you may call Knockout Promotions at (973) 237-9898.
